Co-creator of N.M.'s medical marijuana program to speak at Iowa forums

An Iowa-native, who helped launch New Mexico's medical marijuana program, plans to speak about such a program in Iowa at forums across the state.

Steven Jenison, who helped create New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program and served as its first medical director, said he'd like to see his home state allow marijuana for medicinal use.

“Of course I'd like my home state of Iowa to join the 20 other states where marijuana is available for medical use,” Jenison said in a news release announcing the forums. “Refusing effective medication to people who are suffering is offensive to me as a doctor. I believe Iowa is a place where, like New Mexico, science and compassion are more important than partisan politics.”

In 2007, New Mexico became the 12 state to legalize medical marijuana. Today, Iowa is one of 30 states that forbids medical marijuana.

Jenison will host forums called "A Conversation about medical marijuana in Iowa" at the Memorial Union on Iowa State University campus in Ames at 4 p.m. on Sunday,  the Iowa City Public Library at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19, and at the Des Moines Public Library at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.

When the Iowa pharmacy board recommended legalized medical marijuana in 2010, the New Mexico program, which was approved through the state legislature rather than a public vote, was identified as a good model for Iowa.

Proponents of medical marijuana cite therapeutic benefits in patients with a range of conditions, such as glaucoma, cancer and post traumatic stress disorder. Opponents challenge that the drug is unpredictable, addictive and legalized medical marijuana would be a gateway for legalization for of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Multiple polls have found public opinion shifting in support of medical marijuana nationally and in Iowa. The Iowa Poll and Gallop polls both found the majority of Iowans and Americans, respectively, now favor legalization for medical purposes.

However, law enforcement officials have spoken against it and efforts in the Iowa Legislature have not gained steam.

State Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, has introduced legalized medical marijuana bills in recent legislative sessions and plans to again this fall, but he said he expects the effort will take years.